Hamister, facing Friday deadline in bid for Sabres, seeks extension

'Hamister declined to elaborate on what headway has been made, but state officials Wednesday disputed an earlier report that Gov. George E. Pataki is reviewing a financial assistance package involving the proposed purchase. "The story is wrong. There is no package," said Suzanne Morris, a spokeswoman for Pataki. "(Empire State Development Corp.) has had some very preliminary discussions, and we're certainly willing to continue discussions to see if we can help."'